Most respondents stated their financial advisors never talked with them about social security. The survey also indicated that advisors could lose their clients when they don’t talk about SSI. Survey respondents will make a change to an advisor who will discuss the subject.

David blames the unwillingness to address social security as part of the total retirement program on the complexity of the entitlement program. The program includes just under 3000 rules. Most advisors are intimidated by learning those rules, and the easiest solution is avoidance.

The advice offered to advisors by the former president of Nationwide Financials; embrace the complexity and learn the rules. David believes that clients and consultants will each benefit by talking about social security in the retirement discussion.

He began his career at Citigroup advising clients about finances and successfully worked his way up in the organization eventually becoming the Executive VP of Sales. From there he joined Nationwide as President of Sales and Distribution.